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lp-585 Rev. 000 Rel. 001 Date 9.10.18

5

Failure of the drain back tank, solar system, or components due to 

freeze related damage IS NOT covered by product warranty.

Part 2 - Important Information

A. Scope of this Manual

This manual pertains only to the installation and operation of 

the drain back tank. Details for the installation, operation, and 

maintenance of the complete solar water heating system, including, 

but not limited to: the solar collector(s), storage tank, gas booster, 

pump, system controller, valves, and other plumbing components, 

should be provided separately by their respective manufacturers.

NOTE:

 This manual is primarily a reference document for authorized 

installation individuals, as the drain back tank is not permitted to be 

installed by non-authorized persons.

In order to meet health and safety regulations, solar system 

antifreeze fluid should be food grade polypropylene glycol, FDA 

rated as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). The recommended 

glycol is DOWFROST or equivalent. Using proper concentrations of 

glycol, solar systems can be operated at ambient temperatures as 

low as -60

o

F. Freeze tolerance limits are based upon an assumed 

set of environmental conditions. Refer to the specification sheet 

included with the glycol for recommended concentrations. A glycol 

/ potable water mix must not exceed 50%, unless the manufacture 

specifies that a different ratio is recommended for use with solar 

water heaters.  Glycol may need to be changed periodically 

(every 3-5 years) to prevent it from becoming acidic; please refer 

to the guidelines provided by the glycol manufacturer regarding 

replacement.

B. Local Standards and Authorized Persons

Installation must be completed in accordance with local standards 

and regulations.
Installation must also be completed by a qualified tradesperson 

who holds relevant industry licenses or certificates. The term 

“authorized person(s)” used throughout this document refers to a 

suitably qualified professional. Unless otherwise specified, no part 

of the drain back tank may be inspected, repaired, or maintained by 

anybody other than an authorized person.

C. Terminology

Solar terminology differs from region to region. To avoid confusion, 

please note the following:

Supply

 – The plumbing line running from the outlet of the solar 

collector to the drain back tank and solar water heater.

Return

 – The plumbing line running from the solar water heater to 

the inlet of the collector. This line incorporates the circulation pump.

D. System Design

Drain Back Systems

The drain back method provides effective overheating and freeze 

protection, making these systems well-suited for all climates. When 

storage tank water temperature settings are reached or the collector 

temperature falls below a set temperature, the pump shuts off, 

allowing the HTF to drain back into the tank. Drain back systems use 

potable water or a glycol / potable water mix as HTF.
Drain back systems require larger pumps to move HTF up and into 

the solar collectors. Mounting the drain back tank as high as possible 

within conditioned space will reduce pump size.
For drain back systems, the solar loop often operates at less than 

25 psi, far lower than open or closed loop systems. These low 

operating pressures do not require an expansion tank. A pressure 

relief valve, installed on the drain back tank and piped in copper to 

an appropriate drainage location, will provide sufficient expansion 

protection. This pressure relief valve and drain outlet pipe must 

never be sealed or blocked. The pressure relief valve is intended to be 

operated for safety purposes only.

NOTE: 

Supply and return connections to the collector must use 

eccentric fittings or a fitting arrangement that allows full draining 

of header pipes. The collector or array must be mounted at ¼” pitch 

towards the supply port to facilitate the drain back process. In addition, 

collector plumbing should slope toward the drain back reservoir at 

¼” per foot minimum to facilitate the drain back process. If continual 

slope is not achievable, consider a pressurized closed loop system.

E. Fluid Quality

Water quality is very important. Water in direct flow through the 

solar collectors must first meet potable water requirements; any fluid 

circulated through the collectors should be non-corrosive to copper. In 

addition, water quality must meet the following requirements.

Total Dissolved Solids

< 500 ppm

Total Hardness

< 7 grains (120 ppm)

Chloride

< 100 ppm

pH Levels

6.5 - 8.5

Table 3 - Water Quality Requirements

In order to meet health and safety regulations, glycol used should be 

food grade propylene glycol, FDA rated as “generally recognized as 

safe” (GRAS). If using a glycol / potable water mix, the water must meet 

the above requirements. The glycol content of the liquid must not 

exceed 50%, unless the manufacturer specifies that a different ratio 

is recommended for use with solar water heaters. Glycol should be 

checked periodically to prevent it from becoming acidic. Please refer 

to guidelines provided by the glycol manufacturer regarding glycol 

maintenance.

F. Corrosion

Both copper and stainless steel are susceptible to corrosion when, 

amongst other factors, high concentrations of chlorides are present.

NOTE:

 Leakage of the drain back tank due to corrosion caused by 

improper water quality IS NOT covered by product warranty.

G. Freeze Protection

Though drain back systems provide freeze protection by allowing HTF 

from the solar collectors to drain into a reservoir in freezing conditions, 

it is important to locate the drain back tank in a location not prone 

to freezing conditions. Freeze protection must be implemented in 

any regions that may experience freezing conditions at any time 

throughout the year.
“Freeze tolerance limits are based upon an assumed set of 

environmental conditions. Extended periods of cold weather, including 

ambient air temperatures below the specified limit, may cause 

freezing in exposed parts of the system. It is the owner’s responsibility 

to keep the system’s freeze protection levels maintained in accordance 

with the supplier’s instructions if the air temperature is expected to 

approach the specified freeze tolerance limit.”

Part 3 - General Solar Information

A. System Description

By using the sun’s energy to heat water, solar hot water heating systems 

help reduce the nation’s dependence on polluting fossil fuels. This 

reliable, efficient drain back tank meets the certification requirements 

of SRCC-OG-300.
Basic components of a drain back solar water heating system include: 

the solar collector(s), a solar water heater, a circulator pump, and a 

differential solar control.
Drain back solar systems use potable water or a glycol / potable water 

mix as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) and operate in a closed loop. A drain 

back reservoir tank allows the solar collector(s) to drain HTF when not 

in use, protecting the system from both freezing and overheating. HTP 

Содержание Drain Back

Страница 1: ...ication does not imply endorsement or warranty of this product by the SRCC This manual must only be used by a qualified installer service technician Read all instructions in this manual before installing Perform steps in the given order Failure to do so could result in substantial property damage severe personal injury or death HTP reserves the right to make product changes or updates without noti...

Страница 2: ... where they differ from the furnished instructions Always use the latest edition of codes Additional publications which should guide the installer include Local state provincial and national codes laws regulations and ordinances Solar Water Heating System Design and Installation Guidelines SRCC OG 300 available from Solar Rating Certification Corporation 400 High Point Drive Suite 400 Cocoa FL 329...

Страница 3: ...C Start Up Procedure 15 Part 8 Service Maintenance Procedures 15 A Shutdown Procedures 16 B Draining the Drain Back Reservoir 16 C Routine Maintenance 16 D Vacation Shutdown Procedure 16 E Estimated Life of Components 16 F Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve 16 Part 9 Troubleshooting 16 A Leaks 16 B Other Problems 16 C Operating Suggestions for the User 16 Part 10 System Parts Listing 17 A Estim...

Страница 4: ...erant leaks Auto body shops Paint or varnish removers Plastic manufacturing plants Hydrochloric or Muriatic acid Furniture refinishing areas and establishments Cements and glues New building construction Antistatic fabric softeners used in clothes dryers Remodeling areas Chlorine type bleaches laundry detergents and cleaning solvents Garages and workshops Adhesives used to fasten building products...

Страница 5: ...d in copper to an appropriate drainage location will provide sufficient expansion protection This pressure relief valve and drain outlet pipe must never be sealed or blocked The pressure relief valve is intended to be operated for safety purposes only NOTE Supply and return connections to the collector must use eccentric fittings or a fitting arrangement that allows full draining of header pipes T...

Страница 6: ...al heat output A deviation of up to 15o from due south is acceptable and will have minimal effect on heat output D Mounting Methods A B Sloped Roof C Flat Roof D Facade Figure 1 Suggested Solar Collector Mounting Designs 2 Collector Angle Tilt It is common for collectors to be installed at an angle that corresponds to the installation latitude While adhering to this guideline an angle of latitude ...

Страница 7: ... hose clamp Wire nuts used to connect the sensor and low voltagewiringshallbeallplastic sealedwithsiliconeandthoroughly wrapped in electrician s tape The low voltage wiring used to connect the sensors to the controller should be a minimum 18 AWG The wiring should be bare or tinned copper two conductor PVC insulated with a PVC UV rated gray jacket suitable for exterior use Use Eastman Wire Cable no...

Страница 8: ...ted thermostatic mixing valve IS REQUIRED PER SRCC OG 300 B Tools and Materials The following is a minimum list of basic required tools Other plumbing components will be field supplied according to installation needs COLDWEATHER HANDLING If the water heater has been stored in a very cold location BELOW 0o F before installation handle with care Failure to do so could result in damage to the water h...

Страница 9: ...ng before you pipe into your solar system Failure to do so may damage your water heater Do not introduce HTF into any fittings on the heater except those clearly marked for that purpose It is mandatory that all plumbing be done in accordance with local and state codes or warranty will be void It is also necessary to use both thread tape and pipe dope on all mechanical connections The potable water...

Страница 10: ...ck systems When making a connection to the heat exchanger use Teflon Tape and joint compound to prevent leaks Do not apply heat directly to the heat exchanger thread connection when sweating fittings Line pressure and temperature gauge shall be installed in the collector supply and return lines to allow for a simple diagnostic check of proper system operation On a sunny day the hot water return li...

Страница 11: ...ge to an acceptable and safe temperature This also increases the amount of hot water drawn from the solar water heater by not allowing incoming cold water to fully temper the hot water stored inside the tank To help prevent injury due to scalding it is recommended that the mixing valve be set at 120oF Ball Valve for cold water shut off Valve 24 The cold water shut off valve should be used in the e...

Страница 12: ...d to supply power to the pump control combo H Installing the Drain Back Tank Sight Tube IMPORTANT NOTE A sight tube has been included with the solar drain back tank The sight tube allows service technicians installers and users to quickly determine proper drain back system drainage and solar system heat transfer fluid level It is extremely important that this sight tube be installed BEFORE filling...

Страница 13: ... water and maximum tank temperature Normal solar control settings may be between 120o and 160o Do not exceed 160o on the solar control setting 4 A solar rated mixing valve is recommended if the domestic hot water setting is above 120oF A standard mixing valve generally cannot deliver the temperature protection range at which a solar system operates 5 A minimum of 12 diameters of straight pipe must...

Страница 14: ...nd maximum tank temperature Normal solar control settings may be between 120o and 160o Do not exceed 160o on the solar control setting 4 A solar rated mixing valve is recommended if the domestic hot water setting is above 120oF A standard mixing valve generally cannot deliver the temperature protection range at which a solar system operates 5 A minimum of 12 diameters of straight pipe must be inst...

Страница 15: ...reeze protection Please refer to glycol manufacturer s specifications about the temperature ranges the liquid can withstand Only food grade polypropylene glycol FDA rated as GRAS should be used NOTE HTP DOES NOT WARRANT THE SOLAR WATER HEATER SOLAR COLLECTOR OR ANY COMPONENTS AGAINST FREEZE RELATED DAMAGE Part 7 Start Up Preparation DO NOT MOVE ON TO THESE STEPS UNTIL THE ENTIRE SOLAR SYSTEM INCLU...

Страница 16: ...ms may have a greater temperature difference The storage tank should be flushed to prevent scale build up on an annual or bi annual basis following the manufacturer s recommendations Following installation of the T P Relief Valve the valve lever MUST be operated AT LEAST ONCE AYEAR by the water heater owner to ensure that waterways are clear Certain naturally occurring mineral deposits may adhere ...

Страница 17: ...ion when using hot water to avoid scald injury Consult codes for conformance Failure to follow the instructions in this warning statement could result in serious personal injury or death from scalds Be sure to disconnect electrical power before performing service Failure to do so could result in electrical shock property damage serious personal injury or death If draining of the water heater is ne...

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Страница 20: ...oily layer burnt odor or any heavy sludge in the fluid may indicate the need for replacement TESTING THE FLUID pH LEVEL Control of pH between 8 and 10 is important to minimize corrosion and glycol degradation Using narrow range pH paper such as pHydrion Control paper with a 7 2 to 8 8 pH range is an easy and reliable way to read your pH level A pH tester can also measure alkalinity or acidity and ...

Страница 21: ...odel Number Solar Collector Company Model of Collectors 30004176 30004189 DB 80 40 GB DB 80 40 EB AET AE 40 MSC 40 1 HTP SS 40 SS 40 FP 30004175 30004188 30004173 30004186 DB 80 64 GB DB 80 64 EB DB 119 64 GB DB 119 64 EB AET AE 32 MSC 32 2 HTP SS 32 SS 32 FP 30004174 30004187 30004172 30004185 DB 80 80 GB DB 80 80 EB DB 119 80 GB DB 119 80 EB AET AE 40 MSC 40 2 HTP SS 40 SS 40 FP 30004171 3000418...

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Страница 25: ... ASME installed with the drain back tank assembly in accordance with federal state and local codes 2 Maintain the drain back tank in accordance with the maintenance procedure listed in the manufacturer s provided instructions Preven tive maintenance can help avoid any unnecessary breakdown of the drain back tank and keep the system running at optimum efficiency 3 Maintain all related system compon...

Страница 26: ...S Except when specifically prohibited by the applicable state law the Owner and not the Manufacturer shall be liable for and shall pay for all charges for labor or other expenses incurred in the removal repair or replacement of the drain back tank or any component part s claimed to be defective or any expense incurred to remedy any defect in the product Such charges include but are not necessarily...

Страница 27: ...tive Distributor Dealer Please insert contact details Customer Installation Record Form The following form should be completed by the installer for you to keep as a record of the installation in case of a warranty claim After reading the important notes at the bottom of the page please also sign this document Customer s Name Date of Installation Installation Address Product Name Serial Number s Co...

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